September 2025 update

Following on from our public consultation event in March, we have now received the necessary approvals for construction of the rock groynes. Rock groynes are a barrier constructed with large rocks built out from the shore into the sea. The groyne structure catches sand as it naturally moves along the shoreline, helping to keep the beach profile in place and manage coastal erosion. Site surveys will begin on 29 September, with construction beginning on the north rock groyne week commencing 6 October.

Rock Groynes

The Marine Licence, Planning Permission and approval from Crown Estate Scotland was received in September 2025 to allow the construction of the rock groynes to begin.

During the public consultation in March 2025, many who attended expressed a desire for work to progress as quickly as possible, as such the construction works contract was competitively tendered at the same time as approvals were sought. Allowing the next stage of construction works to commence early October.

Two options were tendered: Option 1 – construction of two rock groynes and Option 2 – construction of a northern groyne only.

On receipt of the tenders, the costs associated with Option 1 were more than the available budget for this year, therefore, Option 2 has been progressed. Option 2 also allows us to assess the effectiveness of a rock groyne being in place and determine whether a second rock groyne is necessary and appropriate. Geddes Contractors Ltd were the winning tenderer on both quality and cost, and were appointed to undertake the works on 19^th September 2025.

In addition to the construction of the northern rock groyne on the beach, the scope of works includes depositing and regrading excavated material within the dunes, marram grass planting and fencing, and installation of a designated pedestrian access point from the golf course.

Angus Council engineers will be on site to supervise the works, with our design consultant available to respond to any technical queries that may arise.

We are currently in discussions regarding the former Lifeguard station on Traill Drive which is no longer in use. We hope to use the building as a site office as the construction works progress and a location for stakeholder and community meetings.

Temporary Flood Defences

The large specially engineered sandbags - installed to protect the low points of the dunes as a short-term flood protection measure and to prevent further erosion at the more vulnerable low points – will now be removed during the construction works and replaced in a location where required on completion of the rock groyne works.

Montrose Dune Restoration Business Case

The University of Glasgow and Dynamic Coast have undertaken surveys of the beach and dunes and have provided an updated coastal change assessment report which includes an assessment of predicted future erosion rates. The University of Glasgow and Dynamic Coast continue to monitor the erosion of the dunes and beach at Montrose.

The Business Case to support a funding application for long-term dune restoration works, includes assessments of natural capital, baseline damages and wider benefits. The report also includes updated flood mapping for current and future scenarios. This has been provided as a technical report which has been sent to Scottish Government for review. In the meantime, our consultant is producing a non-technical summary report of the findings that will be published in due course.